While South Africa is currently the only African country with an operational nuclear power plant, governments across the continent have begun to see nuclear power as a clean, reliable and cost-effective source of energy.
With countries such as Egypt, Ghana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Morocco and Ethiopia currently embarking on nuclear programs, Africa is making strides toward meeting rising energy demand, while contributing to industrialization, the development of climate-resilient economies and the reduction of fossil fuels.
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Rwanda Signs MoU for Test Nuclear Reactor
Nuclear research and development organization, the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with nuclear technology firm, Dual Fluid, last September for the development of a nuclear reactor pilot project in-country. According to the deal, the Government of Rwanda will provide the site and infrastructure for the project, while Dual Fluid will oversee the technical implementation of the partnership. Falling under the Government of Rwanda’s strategy to diversify the country’s energy mix, the reactor is expected to be operational by 2026. The pilot project will use a nuclear fission prototype comprising one liquid fuel and one lead coolant of circulating fluids to produce low-cost energy.
Zimbabwe, Ethiopia Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreements with Russia
Last July, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe signed agreements with Russia to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Zimbabwe was signed by Russian state corporation Rosatom and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Energy and Power Development and will serve to create and improve the southern African country’s nuclear infrastructure, while strengthening its regulations on nuclear and radiation safety and the use of radioisotopes in industry, medicine and agriculture.
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Meanwhile, Russia and Ethiopia signed a roadmap for bilateral cooperation in the use of nuclear energy. The roadmap outlines the feasibility of constructing a nuclear power plant in the East African country, while facilitating the development of Ethiopia’s national nuclear infrastructure.
South Africa Signs Agreement with China to Upgrade its Nuclear Power Station
The governments of China and South Africa signed eight deals last August to strengthen the latter country’s electricity system. Part of the deal, which was signed between South Africa’s Minister of the Presidency for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and China General Nuclear Power Corporation, will result in upgrades to South Africa’s sole nuclear power station. The 1,940 MW Koeberg Nuclear Power Station produces approximately 5% of the country’s power.
Uganda Partners with South Korea, Russia on Two Nuclear Power Facilities
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, announced last August that South Korea and Russia have embarked on a joint venture to construct two nuclear power facilities in the East African country, with the capacity to produce up to 15,000 MW of electricity. Following the discovery of large uranium deposits in eastern Uganda, the country has set a 2031 target to produce electricity using nuclear energy. While the country is home to abundant hydropower resources, its sizable energy demand and recent climate instability have sparked the need to develop new and diversified sources of energy.
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Burkina Faso, Rosatom Sign Deal to Construct Nuclear Power Plant
As one of the least electrified countries in the world, Burkina Faso signed a declaration of intent with Russia’s Rosatom earlier this month to construct a nuclear power plant. The deal serves as part of the West African country’s strategy to achieve 95% electricity access for urban areas and 50% for rural areas by 2030. The signing of the agreement follows an appeal from Burkina Faso to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa Summit last July, in which the country outlined its immense energy needs and geostrategic position in the region, with a view to fostering energy collaboration.
